Popular opinion: Mint is the closest Linux Distro to Windows 11

Many users want to try out Linux, but sometimes it’s hard to let go of the familiarity and comfort that Windows offers.

To make this process easier, users are wondering which is the most similar version of Linux to Windows 11. Today we’ll try to answer that question, so let’s get started!

What Linux distribution is closest to Windows 11? Here’s what Linux users had to say

A Reddit user posted a thread asking about a Linux distribution that is the most similar to Windows 11, to make the transition from one OS to another as simple and painless as possible.

The community was quick to help with its suggestions, and many were eager to recommend distributions that use KDE due to its similarity with Windows.

IMHO, pretty much any distro using KDE is going to have the most Windows-like desktop experience.

Others chimed in on KDE distributions and recommended Linux Mint Cinnamon edition:

Cinnamon is great as well, that’s where i started 🙂

Others are praising KDE for its customization features, but if users want something more user-friendly, KDE Neon might be more suitable for them:

And be extremely customizable so you can make it look and behave as similarly as you want, even starting from some pretty good themes people have already made.

Neon gets my vote for non-technical users.

Many also praised Linux Mint due to its similarities with Windows:

Mint is always a good suggestion for people who want an experience similar to Windows. They even have an edge ISO now that will install the latest kernel, which will really help if you’re interested in gaming and using wine.

Lastly, pointed out the fundamental differences between the two systems, and while a system might look like Windows, it works rather differently than Windows:

Everyone else just picking distros/DEs that look like Windows. That doesn’t mean anything, and is arguably counterproductive. So then the newbie goes and starts trying to install exe’s or downloading installers from websites and thinking they should do everything through WINE or whatever else.

While Linux Mint might be the best option for Windows users who want to make a switch, the two systems are quite different, so there will be an adjustment period.

Speaking of differences, we have a great guide on differences between Windows and Linux kernels that might help you.

Before making the switch, you can consider trying out Linux on a virtual machine. If you’re already a Linux user, you might be interested in the fact that Intel will boost Windows 11 performance on VMs in the upcoming update.

If you’re still hesitant about the switch, our Linux vs Windows 11 guide will help you make the switch and choose the right operating system for yourself.